Curator Karen Dearlove and Director Wesley Wenhardt lead a group of community supporters (with physical distancing top of mind) through the new Museum on a break from construction, June 3, 2020. Photo: Stephen Irving

When it opens in late-2020, the new Museum of North Vancouver will offer 16,000 square feet of interactive multimedia exhibits, innovative programming and public gatherings. Located at 115 West Esplanade in the heart of North Vancouver’s Lower Lonsdale Shipyards District, the new Museum will be centrally located adjacent to Lonsdale Quay, the Polygon Gallery, and the SeaBus Terminal.

As we approach the opening, we wanted to keep the community updated on our progress. Here’s the latest…

Construction Update

Although COVID-19 has meant a temporary closure of the Archives, construction and exhibit fabrication for the new Museum are proceeding on schedule, with professional crews who are actively responding to health and safety regulations.

Framing is underway and crews are preparing the gallery spaces for exhibit installation. Roughing-in of plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems will take place in the coming weeks.

Layout for the new museum which will include an arrival lobby (containing Streetcar 153), spacious rooms for community programs, and exhibit galleries, among other great features. Photo: Stephen Irving.

Exhibit Fabrication

The new Museum’s core exhibits are taking shape at 3DS’ workshop in Delta.

These will explore our community through different lenses and have been planned in partnership with local First Nations.

From athletic and artistic figures, to neighbourhoods and landforms, exhibits with large graphics, bright colours and high-quality finishes will tell the stories of North Vancouver.

Featured Exhibition Gallery

The new Museum includes a gallery designed to host temporary exhibitions. This 1,400 ft2 space meets ‘Class A’ standards for climate control, enabling the Museum to borrow works of art, artifacts, and exhibits from other museums and private lenders.

Our exhibition program is being shaped by NVMA staff alongside guest curators with specialized knowledge, researchers, and community engagement specialists, who will help develop local partnerships. Exhibits will change on a regular basis so repeat visitors will enjoy new experiences at the Museum.

Left to right: Samaya Jardey, Squamish Nation; Shirley Sutherland, former NVMA Assistant Director; Sandra White, NVMA Commissioner; Terry Hood, NVMA Friends’ Director; Karen Dearlove, NVMA Curator and Carleen Thomas, Tsleil-Waututh Nation.

Indigenous Voices Advisory Committee Walk-through

Just before social-distancing began in March 2020, representatives from the Indigenous Voices Advisory Committee (IVAC) joined NVMA staff for a tour of the museum space.

Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nation members have been collaborating as cultural advisors in museum planning for a number of years, and are working to ensure a range of authentic stories will be offered in the new permanent gallery.

In addition to this, the IVAC team is creating a 4-year plan that will include the development of programs, exhibits and volunteer opportunities with a focus on local Indigenous communities.

This garden terrace will provide a great overflow space for events and openings. Photo: Stephen Irving

Unanimous Endorsement by the City of North Vancouver

We are pleased to report that on July 6, the City of North Vancouver unanimously approved the NVMA’s 5-year business transition plan. We are honoured to have the full support and endorsement from the city councillors on this project.

Since 2018 we have received over $1.18 million in donations, thanks to all our incredible donors who believe in building a museum as extraordinary as the community it serves.

We invite YOU to make a special gift to the new Museum or consider becoming a monthly donor. Your support will enhance the new Museum and provide funding for innovative and accessible programs.

To learn more about the this “extraordinary museum” coming soon to Lower Lonsdale, check out our website.